There are quite a few notable people buried in the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Texas. The most famous is Stephen F. Austin, himself. Nearby are Governor and Mrs. Connally, Waggoner Carr, Governor Ann Richards and a marker for former Dallas Cowboy’s coach Tom Landry.

Mr. Landry was planning on being buried in Austin, but later changed his mind and decided to be buried in Dallas. His status as a legend in Dallas was too great for him not to be buried there. The plot Mr. Landry purchased now has a marker for him. This marker is more elaborate than the actual grave marker at the Sparkman Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Texas State Cemetery

The Texas State Cemetery is located on the east side of Interstate 35 near downtown Austin. The main building is built from Texas limestone. There are only a few parking spaces outside the admin building. Driving into the cemetery is permitted.

I received some great help from the admin attendant, who provided me with a very useful map. Everyone I need to fine is located in the same area.

Waggoner Carr

Waggoner Carr, former Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Attorney General, is also buried in the Texas State Cemetery. As the Texas AG, Carr assisted in the prosecution of Jack Ruby.

Carr is buried at the edge of Republic Hill section 1 near Flag Plaza. He has a nice pink granite tombstone with his name and dates on the front and achievements on the back. Another grave marker with just his name and dates is just in front of the tombstone.

Carr’s grave marker was half covered with an ant mound when I visited.

Governor and Mrs. Connally

Governor and Mrs. Connally are buried in the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Texas. The Connallys were in Kennedy’s limo when he was shot. Governor Connally was also wounded by one of the bullets that stuck the president.

The Connallys are buried near Stephen F. Austin on Republic Hill section 2. Their joint tombstone is made from black granite with a very simple, modern look and a limestone statue of Moses standing in the middle. I only assume it is Moses. The statue is almost life size. The yellow limestone stands out dramatically against the pure, black granite.

Ivy is covering the ground in front of the tombstone. There is a marble bench for another departed person or family on the other side of the pathway.

Governor Ann Richards

Also nearby on Republic Hill section 2 is former Texas Governor Ann Richards.

Richards has an organic looking white marble tombstone with her name on the front an writing on the back. The tombstone stands out as very odd looking among all the other more formal tombstones and grave markers.

The Richards tombstone is not as close to Stephen F. Austin as the Connallys. She is located about half way down Republic Hill section two on the north side.